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The Petit Women

Jennifer Lynn Hawke-Petit was born in Morristown, New Jersey on September 26, 1958, the daughter of Reverend Richard and Marybelle Hawke. Graduating from Greenville Senior High School in Pennsylvania, she went on to receive her Degree in Nursing from Sharon School of Nursing in Sharon, PA. Jennifer's loving and generous nature carried through her career as a Pediatric Oncology Nurse at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburg where she would meet the love of her life Bill. Prior to marriage, she was employed in Rochester, NY as a Pediatric Nurse at the Strong Memorial Hospital. Jen and Bill were married on April 13, 1985 in Meadville, PA and continued their medical careers together at Yale-New Haven Hospital. They grew in faith together at Cheshire United Methodist Church where Jennifer served on numerous committees there. Their family was complete with the joyous births of her two daughters Hayley Elizabeth and Michaela Rose.

Hayley Elizabeth Petit was born on October 15, 1989. She was a graduate of Miss Porter's School where she was well loved and admired as a student, athlete, a leader and friend. She was a High Honor Roll student, member of Cum-Laude and a journalism prize-winner. A committed athlete, Hayley was a three-season varsity player of cross country, basketball, and crew; a two-season varsity captain of basketball and crew and was elected to the all-school senior leadership position of Athletic Association Head. Hayley's leadership and dedication led her to be the winner of her high school's award for "exceptional community service." She started "Hayley's Hope," raising thousands of dollars in support of Multiple Sclerosis research. Hayley was accepted and admitted early to Dartmouth College where she was set to continue to lead by example and encourage others to do the same.

Michaela Rose Petit, affectionately called K.K. by all who knew her, came into the world smiling on November 17, 1995. She was looking forward to attending middle school at Chase Collegiate and eventually follow in her sister's footsteps to Miss Porter's School. As Hayley was set to leave for college, she planned to carry on the work her sister had started with "Hayley's Hope" and renaming it "Michaela's Miracle." Michaela enjoyed sports and attended the summer "Athletic Experience" at Miss Porter's School in Farmington, playing soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. Picking up her love of music from her mother, she recently had her first flute solo at the Cheshire United Methodist Church. Michaela's perpetual smile will forever be remembered and missed by everyone.